Pertaringa Tipsy Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Region: McLaren Vale
Story: The Tipsy Hill Cabernet Sauvignon is from Bec Hardy's vineyard in the Blewitt Springs sub-region of McLaren Vale. The ancient soils and elevation of the Tipsy Hill vineyard offer the perfect conditions for growing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. The property also includes a stunning garden, featuring the rare Tipsy Hill Imperial Concubine rose, from which the name originates.
Vineyard: This 1.7Ha block of Cabernet Sauvignon vines is located in Blewitt Springs on an east facing slope protecting it against the harsh afternoon sun. The vines were planted in 1999. This slightly elevated area of McLaren Vale is cooler than on the flats and the resultant wine has good acidity and intensity so will age very well.
Soils: This vineyard is on deep sandy soils that were once sand dunes, likely from Maslin Sands and Pirramimma Sandstone. The deep sand is over yellow clay, which allows vine roots to travel down deep looking for water. These soils are from the Holocene period (11,700 years old)
Harvest Date: 18 March
Winemaking: On arrival into winery the grapes were crushed and destemmed before inoculating with FX10 yeast. Fermentation in an open 5 tonne capacity stainless steel fermenter with 8 days time on skins. Wine was then pressed into French Oak Hogsheads, 30% new oak where it matured for 20 months before bottling.
Nose: Dark berries including blackberries intermingle with dried herbs and cedar notes.
Palate: The palate is elegant and balanced with black fruits, blueberries and beautifully integrated French oak, followed by fine tannins and a long finish.
Cellaring: Drink now to 2035
| Alc: 14.5% | TA: 7.2g/L |
| pH: 3.51 | RS: 0.6g/L |
Tasting notes: 2020 | 2019 2018 | 2017 | 2016
97 points - Wine Orbit, 2023
"Classically structured and gorgeously composed, the wine shows cassis, cedar, rich floral, warm spice and subtle tobacco aromas, leading to a concentrated palate that's superbly weighted and richly textured. Wonderfully framed by layers of fine tannins, making it sturdy with a persistent, graceful finish.